Last year, Google opened up a Search Labs section for searchers allowing them to test the generative AI features, including AI overviews, in Google Search. Only those who opted to use Google Search Generative Experience (SGE) have been seeing these results but a report has claimed that the AI-generated summaries are also available for those who didn’t opt for testing.
According to a report in Search Engine Land, Google is testing AI overviews in the main Google Search results on a subset of queries, on a small percentage of search traffic in the US, a Google spokesperson told the publication.
AI overviews are essentially AI-generated summaries that are available on the top of the Search results page. They are aimed at providing concise, to-the-point information to users on their specific queries so that they don’t have to shuffle through multiple links while looking for answers.
According to the report, Google is prioritising complex queries where users might benefit from information from multiple sources. For example, how do I get marks off painted walls? Apparently, the reason for having limited testing is that the company aims to provide summaries that are truly additive and improve upon current search responses.
Google is experimenting with various layouts and presentations of the AI summaries, which means that users may see different versions during the testing phase.
Google said that they want to get feedback from a wider audience, not just those enrolled in the SGE program. This way they can get feedback and learn how a more general population will find this technology helpful, Google explained. Notably, Google will show advertisements alongside the AI summaries.
